MMA Fight Pit, an MMA event based in one of the sport's major power centers, is starting off with a bang when it holds its first event.

"Genesis," the promotion's first offering, takes place Aug. 13 at The Pit in Albuquerque, N.M., and features a bevy of UFC and WEC vets including Houston Alexander (12-6) and Razak Al-Hassan (11-3), among others.

The promotion has also secured pay-per-view deals in the U.S. and Canada. Providers In-Demand, AVAIL-TVN, Dish Network, DirecTV, Bell Express VU, and Viewer's Choice Canada will broadcast the event, which will make it available in 90 million homes.

Alexander has quietly amassed a three-fight win streak in regional competition that includes a second-round TKO of UFC and PRIDE vet Rameau Thierry Sokodjou.

In a previous interview with MMAjunkie.com, the father of six said he is turning a corner in his training and fighting. After a roller coaster stint in the UFC, which saw him rocket to stardom with knockout wins over Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara and plummet with losses to Thiago Silva and Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson, Alexander said he's a different person from his octagon days.

"There will be days when I look at my old fights; I'm not even the same fighter I was when I was in the UFC," Alexander told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) earlier this year. "I'm a completely different fighter. I know I'm a lot better fighter than any of those losses I've had."

Al-Hassan, meanwhile, is attempting to get back on the winning track after a four-fight win streak in regional competition was snapped this past November.

The matchup, though, sets the stage for fireworks. Both Alexander and Al-Hassan love to stand and strike.

MMA Fight Pit executives believe a star-filled card is the way to stand out from the rest of the regional crowd.

"Having a larger venue allowed us to pursue national level talent, which gives local fighters an opportunity to escalate their careers and allows local fans to see a show unlike anything they've seen before," stated MMA Fight Pit co-founder Torry Crooks in a press release.

I'm pulling for Houston and Jens like I have before, but not going to be surprised to see 'Razor' go for the takedowns & get another RNC. Oh, and not going to believe a postfight retirement from good old Jens. Maybe if he still says it the next day or week I guess.